PROFILING

5 years ago

Dad Warned Trayvon of Stereotypes

Alex Wong / Getty Images (FILE)

The father of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman as he walked back from a convenience store, says he used to talk to his son about the dangers of being black. Tracy Martin says he lectured his son on the possibility that his skin color could make him a target for suspicion and violence. “I’ve always let him know we as African-Americans get stereotyped,” he told USA Today. Zimmerman maintains that he acted in self-defense, while Martin’s family claims Trayvon was targeted because of his race. Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder and his trial is set for May.